Jo Mersa Marley, the grandson of Bob Marley and a Jamaican American reggae musician, died at the age of 31. According to writer Abka Fitz-Henley, the musician was found unconscious in a vehicle on Tuesday. According to reports, South Florida radio station WZPP claims to have confirmed that Marley died abruptly of a heart attack.
Jo Mersa early life
According to the New York Post, Jo Mersa grew up in Jamaica before transferring to Florida in high school. Jo is the oldest child of Stephen Marley and has seven sisters and five brothers. Jo reportedly made his stage debut at the age of four, performing alongside his father, uncle Ziggy Marley, and aunts Cedella Marley and Sharon Marley. He is said to have studied studio engineering at Miami Dade College. Jo released an EP called Comfortable in 2014, which includes the title track. In 2021, the artist released his second EP, Eternal.
Jo is grandson of legendary Bob Marley
Jo is the son of reggae musician Bob Marley’s son, Stephen Marley. Jo’s grandfather was a pioneer in the reggae movement, releasing classic songs such as Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, Get Up, Stand Up, Is This Love, and I Shot the Sheriff, among others. Bob Marley died of melanoma in 1981, at the age of 36. The singer had 11 children from seven different women.
Marley became renowned as a Rastafari icon and was well-known for infusing music with spirituality. He gained recognition as a global icon of Jamaican music and culture. The artist was also known for his strong political ideas and vocal support for democratic social reforms.
Jo Mersa on being a Marley
Jo, the grandson of Bob Marley, opened up to Pier about what it meant to wear the last name. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation and stated, “There are things you must conquer and things you must simply do, and that is how it is. We have to live our lives, you know? I’m not under any stress. I am grateful for being a Marley. I’m grateful and thankful that I was born where I was born and placed where God has decided. I’m grateful and proud of myself.”
Jo Mersa Marley on his musical journey
Following the release of his EP, Eternal, the reggae singer opened up about his musical approach, particularly songwriting. He revealed to the Jamaica Gleaner that it depends on the vibe. He stated, “Because sometimes you’ll have a tune or an idea in your head but no beat, and other times you’ll have a beat but no tune. Of course, that’s for me. I cannot speak on behalf of everyone. Some tunes I can finish in a night, while others take longer.”
Tribute paid to the Jamaican singer
As news of Jo Mersa’s death spread, countless followers on Twitter grieved and mourned the musician’s passing. TIDAL, a streaming service, also paid tribute to the late artist, adding, “In our hearts forever. Jo Mersa Marley, rest in peace.” Olivia Grange, a Jamaican lawmaker, also commented, “I am profoundly grieved to learn of the death of musician Joseph Marley, son of Reggae superstar Stephen Marley and grandson of Reggae legend Bob Marley. In May, we were honoured to have Joseph, also known as Jo Mersa, perform at our Jamaica 60 Launch in Miramar, Florida, USA.”
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